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gadir New user Reseda, California 60 Posts |
OK so I am now at a point that I have accumulated enough magic related things,that I want to be able to find them easily. The books and Dvds are no problem,but all the other "stuff"(gimmicks,card decks,ropes,silks invisible thread etc....) Do any of you have an organization system that helps you find these things quickly?
thanks in advance Gadi |
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Dick Oslund Inner circle 8357 Posts |
I'm glad that you didn't ask how to store, "TRICKS", OR "MAGIC"!!
MAGIC only exists in the mind of the spectator! A TRICK, like MUSIC, only exists while it is being performed! You cannot buy own, or store MAGIC OR TRICKS@ Organize by EFFECT! THE "EFFECT" IS "WHAT THE SPECTATOR PERCEIVES!!!!! (See Fitzkee's list in "The Trick Brain") E.g.: PRODUCTION, VANISH, TRANSFORMATION, TRANSPOSITION, PENETRATION, RESTORATION, LEVITATION/SUSPENSION, SYMPATHY, etc. For "non specific" gimmicks, or props use a box(es) marked 'Utility". (Non specific = gimmicks/fekes, that don't have a specific purpose or effect, like TTs, IT, etc. Non specific = props, that don't have a specific purpose or effect, like, rope, silks, cards, etc. BILL HEGBLI STRONGLY RECOMMENDS THAT PROPS SHOULD BE STORED IN SEALED PLASTIC "ZIP/LOC" BAGS, W-I-T-H THE INSTRUCTIONS!!! (Widows may not know "what goes with what"!!!) This system has worked for me for 60 years. Very occasionally, it's nearly impossible to classify the specific EFFECT! (JOE OVETTE'S "REPEAT KNOTS" is a good example.) NOTE: Props/gimmicks in my WORKING ACT ARE STORED IN MY WORKING ACT CASE. (Instructions for those WORKING ACT PROPS/GIMMICKS are stored in a fiber case NEXT to the WORKING ACT.)
SNEAKY, UNDERHANDED, DEVIOUS,& SURREPTITIOUS ITINERANT MOUNTEBANK
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Andy Young Special user Jersey Shore, PA 813 Posts |
First off any written instructions I scan and print a copy to keep.
Zip lock baggies for things and then into boxes. I label the boxes A through Z. I have an excel list of all my boxes and just put where the box is and what is inside. My working props I have in my case with extras in my dresser drawer. Other things that I like to display like books, DVDs, cups, cards and such go on the bookshelf. I also have what I am working on there as well. |
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plink Special user 661 Posts |
I've always enjoyed 'parts cabinets' used for nails and screws to store smaller utility props like smaller silk gimmicks, writers, thimbles, roughing stick, etc. etc. etc.......
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Dick Oslund Inner circle 8357 Posts |
PARTS CABINETS....FINE....>>>BUT YA NEED A SYSTEM TO KNOW WHERE "WHAT" IS STORED!!!!! >>>O R G A N I Z E<<< SEE MY POST ABOVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SNEAKY, UNDERHANDED, DEVIOUS,& SURREPTITIOUS ITINERANT MOUNTEBANK
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Dick Oslund Inner circle 8357 Posts |
ANDY!!! "A THRU Z" ????? IMHO, "APPLES" could be stored next to "ALLIGATORS" !!!
SNEAKY, UNDERHANDED, DEVIOUS,& SURREPTITIOUS ITINERANT MOUNTEBANK
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plink Special user 661 Posts |
Hi Dick, should of added that through experience I've covered each drawer with a white label and use pencil to list contents (pencil allows for easy change). Drawers can be moved around for logical groupings.
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danaruns Special user The City of Angels 808 Posts |
I guess it depends on how much "magic" you have and what kind. I tend to organize by prop, in about thirty plastic bins of 3 sizes. Into each goes a different type of prop. Each prop is in its own bag, box or baggie. Ropes in one bin, coins in a smaller one, a bin for sponges (balls, bunnies, etc.), one for cups and production items, one for rings, one for silks, etc. But you have to have a lot of each item to justify that system.
I have five bins just for cards: new decks, working decks, gimmicked cards/decks, preset decks, and old or incomplete decks. I also have something like a rolling tool box with lots of drawers in it. Small items go in those drawers, as well as spare parts and pieces, and what I call "tools," which are just things that help with effects. Things like rubber cement, rough and smooth, scissors, exacto knife, double-stick tape, etc. And then there is one bin for items that defy categorization. That works for me, but I have quite a bit of each kind of thing, way more than I can regularly use. Your mileage may vary depending on what you have, especially if you have a lot of very specialized stuff.
"Dana Douglas is the greatest magician alive. Plus, I'm drunk." -- Foster Brooks
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Andy Young Special user Jersey Shore, PA 813 Posts |
Quote: Funny Dick, but you know alligators don't eat apples so no problem there
On Aug 18, 2016, Dick Oslund wrote: |
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Dick Oslund Inner circle 8357 Posts |
Happy to hear that! How about crocodiles? hee hee
SNEAKY, UNDERHANDED, DEVIOUS,& SURREPTITIOUS ITINERANT MOUNTEBANK
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Dick Oslund Inner circle 8357 Posts |
Quote:
On Aug 18, 2016, danaruns wrote: See the first two sentences of my post, above. Whether there are " " around the word or not, neither MAGIC or "MAGIC" can be bought, owned, or stored. "MAGIC" (MAGIC) HAPPENS IN THE MIND(S) OF THE SPECTATOR.
SNEAKY, UNDERHANDED, DEVIOUS,& SURREPTITIOUS ITINERANT MOUNTEBANK
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Doug Trouten Elite user Minnesota 471 Posts |
Dick, what do you find is the best way to organize and store the minds of your spectators?
It's still magic even if you know how it's done.
Terry Pratchett |
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RobertlewisIR Veteran user Colorado 367 Posts |
I've been looking for a better system, but haven't found one that works for me yet. For now, I put the props into labeled envelopes and store the lot in boxes with dividers. Except for larger items, which have a dedicated shelf. Books and DVDs have their own cases separate from the rest of my library, and instruction sheets are filed in the same filing cabinet as my business papers.
And then there are the ones (mostly decks of cards) that remain strewn about the house because I like to play with my toys as much as I can.
~Bob
---------- Last night, I dreamed I ate the world's largest marshmallow. When I woke up, the pillow was gone. |
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Dick Oslund Inner circle 8357 Posts |
Doug, I'm assuming that you are being facetious, so, I'll respond facetiously!
Probably the best way would be to store them in one of those "red velvet bags on a stick"! I must confess that organizing them would be a bit more of a challenge!
SNEAKY, UNDERHANDED, DEVIOUS,& SURREPTITIOUS ITINERANT MOUNTEBANK
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Dick Oslund Inner circle 8357 Posts |
Quote:
On Aug 18, 2016, RobertlewisIR wrote: Robert, I would respectfully suggest that you do a search for BILL HEGBLI'S posts regarding storage of instructions WITH props. He explains what happens at auctions of estates when props are offered WITHOUT INSTRUCTIONS. Granted that "stock" classic props like "standard" die boxes, foo cans, "Chinese" sticks, and rice bowls, for example, may not need instruction sheets, but, "offbeat items", especially those which depend on electronics, may be almost worhless except for a very selective group of very knowledgeable magicians. Many a widow, who could definitely USE the $$$, has been scammed by a ruthless used prop dealer, who offered "ten cents on the dollar". I have bought many estates, and paid an honest price for the lot. To cheat a widow, is one of the worst sins! About thirty years ago, the late Theo. Claflin suggested that I stop to see a recent widow, to see if I could help her. She had a basement full of props. They were scattered all over that basement. A ZigZag, for example, stood in one corner, and the blades nowhere to be found. (They were on the floor under a stack of 'pieces and parts" in a far corner.) There was a "few" thousand dollars worth of "painted plywood", chromed tubes, silks, ETC. She had no idea of what the 'stuff" was, or what is was worth! I bought a few items at a reasonable wholesale price, and recommended a reputable used prop dealer to her. When I "go" (I'm 84)my sister has inventories with "asking prices" etc. Fortunately, she is not likely to be "in need", so she will be able to get reasonable prices for props, and books. She also has a list of several friends who will advise and assist her. You OWE IT TO those that you leave behind, to get organized! The system that I noted above, is SIMPLE and PRACTICAL! I would respectfully suggest that you consider it.
SNEAKY, UNDERHANDED, DEVIOUS,& SURREPTITIOUS ITINERANT MOUNTEBANK
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RobertlewisIR Veteran user Colorado 367 Posts |
I agree completely. I realize there's no such thing as too young for estate planning, but my trouble really goes to a severe lack of storage space in my current dwelling. I'd hope that by the time I have a wife to leave behind, I'll have much more dedicated storage space.
At the very least, until I'm able to sort things out better, I do keep a document (digitally and hard copy) that details the vast majority of what my stuff is as well as who to contact for further information. And all the items are individually labeled, so it's easy for anyone (not least myself, my memory being what it is) to find all the different parts to everything. As you say, it's quite important, and since I collect oddities, it's not just a "magic props" problem.
~Bob
---------- Last night, I dreamed I ate the world's largest marshmallow. When I woke up, the pillow was gone. |
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Dick Oslund Inner circle 8357 Posts |
Hey Robert!
I thoroughly understand about storage space! For about forty years, on the road, I lived in a motor home. (Wen you buy a new toothbrush, the old one is red lighted!) I'm glad to hear that you are aware, and, at least thinking about the "situation/problem".
SNEAKY, UNDERHANDED, DEVIOUS,& SURREPTITIOUS ITINERANT MOUNTEBANK
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Bill Hegbli Eternal Order Fort Wayne, Indiana 22797 Posts |
The reason Plastic bags are used is also to preserve the prop, be it cards, or coins, etc. To seal press out the air. This then works like those storage bags for cloths, that the vacuum cleaner is used to remove the air out of the bags. I had some props I took on a very hot day, to a magic sale. I opened the box and it was full of moisture, but all the props in bags had no condensation in them at all. Everything was preserved, and could be sold. The bags can be stacked in the container, and if they do slip around the they will not destroy cards and props. All this I learned from experience and find this the best solution to store magic.
The way to do it is, if you want to play with a few tricks, just have a bin, where the bags with instructions or DVD can be stored temporarily. This forces you to put your toys away, and not get mislaid. Now they even sell plastic foot lockers that hold quite a lot. Label containers, and the "out" box as well. I have even placed my coin magic all together in another large plastic bag, so all the gaffed coin magic is grouped together. While you're doing all this, why not inventory magic as well. List price paid, originator and date purchased. |
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danaruns Special user The City of Angels 808 Posts |
Quote:
On Aug 18, 2016, Dick Oslund wrote: Really? That's what you took from my post? Good grief...
"Dana Douglas is the greatest magician alive. Plus, I'm drunk." -- Foster Brooks
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Dick Oslund Inner circle 8357 Posts |
Quote:
On Aug 17, 2016, gadir wrote: Danaruns: Cf. the OP's final sentence. He asked if anyone had an ORGANIZATION SYSTEM, "...that helps you find these things quickly?" The OP did not ask what sort of container should be used to put things in! (OOPS! I just did another "Charlie Miller"!) Plink, Andy, and you talked about bins, boxes, etc. That information did not answer the OP's question. I explained in my first post, how to ORGANIZE THE STORAGE, of props, for easy retrieval. Props in this case also includes gimmicks/fekes, supplies, etc. ("utilities).
SNEAKY, UNDERHANDED, DEVIOUS,& SURREPTITIOUS ITINERANT MOUNTEBANK
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